Many women have never been a patient in a hospital before the birth of their first baby, so they have absolutely no idea what to expect. The idea of even going to a hospital as a patient can be daunting. Find out how to make your stay as comfortable as possible in this sample chapter.

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

In this chapter

Should I look for the doctor first or the hospital?

Questions to ask the hospital when you visit.

Important criteria that your hospital should fulfill.

Extras that might appeal to your fancy.

Many women have never been a patient in a hospital before the birth of their first baby, so they have absolutely no idea what to expect. The idea of even going to a hospital as a patient can be daunting. Fortunately, today's hospitals try to make the experience as "painless" as possible by offering all the comforts of home, and then some.

Should the Cart Come before the Horse?

If you have insurance (and here's hoping you do), then you may not have
a choice of hospitals. Chances are good that you are limited by a specific list
of preferred providers as to which hospital and health care provider (i.e.,
doctor) you can choose. However, being limited doesn't necessarily mean
that you don't have a choice. Even if you have only two hospitals to
choose from, go visit them in advance to see what they have to offer. Sometimes,
women fall in love with a particular hospital that their doctor doesn't
deliver in, and they choose to switch doctors in order to go to the hospital of
their choice. You are the consumer here. Make sure that you get what you want
within your means. If you have multiple choices for your hospital, then visit
them all. The differences might be subtle, but you should still make the
decision as to what kind of environment makes you comfortable. And even if you
only have one hospital in your area, thus negating a choice, you should still
visit to see what you will get for your money.